14October2025
I woke up early, slipped on the crisp, creamcoloured shirt wed bought together for my birthday last summer, and paired it with the new brown leather shoes Id only worn a few times. Even the cufflinksthose tiny silver anchorswere in place, despite the fact I usually spend Sundays in my pyjamas at home.
Emma, we need to talk, I said, standing by the kitchen window, my back to her.
She set her coffee mug down with a deliberate slowness. Her heart seemed to quicken, not with fear but with a curious anticipation. I could tell shed been rehearsing this conversation, as if it were a formal event.
And then it hit her: she realised I was hoping for tears, pleading, maybe a hissyfit. Yet, instead, a strange calm settled over her.
I think it would be best if we went our separate ways, I continued, not turning to face her. We both understand that.
Understand? she echoed, surprised by the steadiness of her own voice, almost intrigued.
I finally faced her, a flash of surprise flickering across my faceshe hadnt reacted the way Id expected.
Right. Were adults now. Feelings have passed, why pretend?
Emma sank back into her chair. Twentytwo years of marriage, a son whod just turned twentyone, the teenage years, my own forties behind me. Now, apparently, my fifties were just beginning.
What am I supposed to do? she asked simply.
Well I hesitated. You could stay with Lucy for a while, or find a flat of your own. Ill help with the rent at first.
Lucy, my sister, had always thought Id been foolish to marry Emma. Help with the rent sounded generous, though I knew how that would sound.
And what about you?
Me? I was caught off guard. Nothing special yet. Maybe Ill sell the house and move into something smaller.
The house? she tilted her head. That one?
Exactly. What about it?
She stood and walked over to the window. Instinctively, I stepped back. Down the street, schoolchildren shuffled past with backpacks, the new term in full swing. Life marched on.
James, do you remember whose name is on the property deeds?
Mine, of course. Why?
Mine? Her tone held genuine surprise. Are you sure?
For the first time I looked genuinely puzzled.
Of course Im sure. We bought it years ago with the money my mother gave me before the wedding. Remember? The recipe book she handed over, too.
Shed sold her room in the council flat and said, This is for our future. It had indeed become our future.
I fell silent.
We registered it in my name because you werent working then, you were still searching for your calling. I needed the bank statements to get the mortgage.
Do you recall now?
But we we agreed
We agreed it was ours together. And it stayed that way until you decided to split everything up yourself.
Emma sat back down, took the nowcold coffee, and sipped.
You know, James, Im starting to think youre right. It really is time we go our separate ways.
Is that so? I perked up, a flicker of panic crossing my eyes.
Yes. If you want a fresh start, lets do it honourably. Ill stay in the houseit’s mine. You find a new place on your own, using your own money.
Emma, cant we work something out more human?
Isnt that what being human is? You want freedom, you get it. Full stop.
He sat opposite me, my favourite shirt suddenly feeling pointless.
But I dont have money for a new flat
And I have no desire to keep supporting you. You said were adults.
I thought we could sort this peacefully
Peaceful it shall be. No shouting, no dramajust each of us getting what we asked for. You wanted me out, so now youre the one leaving. Isnt that fair?
I stood, took my mug, and headed for the sink. My phone buzzed with a grocery delivery notificationan order Id placed yesterday for todays meals.
I need time to think, James murmured.
Of course, Emma replied, setting her cup down. But dont dawdle. My friends are coming over this evening. Id rather not turn their visit into a courtroom scene.
James retreated to the bedroom, his voice low but agitated as he spoke on the phone. I fetched the vegetables and began chopping, each movement slow, almost meditative. Half an hour later he returned to the kitchen.
Emma, perhaps we rushed? Lets discuss this again.
Whats there to discuss? I didnt look up from the board. Youve already decided. I agreed. Its all settled.
But the house we both poured money into itrenovations, furniture
Renovations? You mean the work my father did with his own hands, free of charge?
And the furniture I bought with my salary while you were still figuring out your career?
I always worked! I snapped.
You did, but most of the money went to you, while I kept the household afloat. Remember? A husband should have his own pocket money for selfrespect.
He fell silent.
I also recall you once said you werent ready for children. Yet when Andy was born, you said fatherhood scared you, and now you brag about being a doting dad.
What does that have to do with anything? he asked.
It shows I understand why you chose to leavenot yesterday, not last week, but now, after years of building a life together.
I set the knife down, turned to face him fully.
Tell me, James, does Olivia like the flat? Are you planning to buy something else?
His face went pale.
Olivia? Whos that?
The one youve been emailing for the past six months. The one whos been at your firm for eight years, no kids yet, but eager for a family. You remember that night three weeks ago, when you came home smiling and talked about a brilliant colleague?
Youve been watching me? I asked, a hint of sarcasm.
Why watch? You told me yourself. Remember the evening three weeks ago? You bragged about a colleaguesmart, ambitious. The next day you bought a new shirt.
I wiped my hands on a towel.
You also started showering before work, bought perfume, joined the gym after a decade.
Emma
And now you even take your phone into the bath, never leaving it unattended, smiling at the screen.
His smartwatch lit up with a message; he glanced at it quickly, covering the wrist.
Olivia writing? I asked, genuinely curious.
He slumped into his chair.
I didnt plan this
Didnt plan what? Falling for her? Getting caught?
It just happened. We were talking at work, then
And then you thought itd be easier if I just walked out, leaving the house to you, your reputation intact.
If the wife leaves, shes to blame. With Olivia, you can start anew on a clean slate.
I sat opposite him.
Its odd, but Im not angry. Im grateful. Youve shown me Im stronger than I thought.
What will you do now?
Live. Here, in my flat. Perhaps finally chase the dream Ive always shelved. I finally have time for myself.
And Andy?
Hes twentyone. Hell sort himself out, deciding which parent behaves how.
James stood, paced the kitchen.
Emma, perhaps we could negotiate a settlement? Im willing to pay you compensation
For what? I asked, genuinely surprised.
For the flat, for the years we shared.
You want to buy my flat so you can bring your new girlfriend in?
Not so blunt
And how? Youre offering me money to become homeless?
I laughed, genuinely, without bitterness.
Had I been in your shoes earlier, I might have consented out of pity, thinking poor lad, hes only following his heart. Id have gone to my sister and apologised for not being able to keep you.
I moved to the window.
Now I see you thought I was a pliable fool who would endure anything. Guess what? You were wrong.
So you wont leave?
No. You are the one who leavestoday. Take only whats yours.
What if I refuse?
I turned back to him, my eyes calm as someone who finally recognises her own power.
Then tomorrow Olivia discovers her lover isnt a free man but a married one. Shell also learn how you intended to solve the housing issue. Think shell like that?
He said nothing.
You have an hour, I added. My friends arrive at five. Id rather they dont witness a family drama.
I grabbed the spray bottle on the sill and began misting the ferns.
Silence settled over the house, broken only by the hiss of water and the occasional creak of the floorboards as James gathered his belongings.
I smiled at the violet plant on the windowsill. Real life was just beginning.
**Lesson:** Even after years of compromise, I learned that honourable endings are possible when both parties accept responsibility, and that recognizing ones own worth is the first step toward genuine freedom.
